49ers-Eagles – A look at a nearly perfect third quarter

I just watched the third quarter to see what the 49ers did in their most well-played 15 minutes in possibly a decade. Down 20 points after a 33-yard Philly field goal, I thought I would see a lot of shotgun formation and three-receiver sets. In fact, it was just the opposite.
The 49ers got big plays out of their two tight-end formations. Their two touchdown drives came in only nine plays combined and of those nine, they used a three-receiver set twice. The pass protection was good but not spectacular. What was notable was the yards after the catch. In the quarter, they had a whopping 77 yards in YAC. Here are some other notes.

-On the first drive of the period, quarterback Alex Smith talked officials into calling a personal foul after he got his head twisted by Jason Babin.
-On the blocked field goal after the first drive, Chilo Rachal was late off the ball and King Dunlop squeezed through to block David Akers’ 45-yard attempt.
-A blown coverage led to the 30-yard TD to Joshua Morgan, however, Alex Smith recognized the overload blitz on the right side and got the ball to Morgan in less than two seconds. The Eagles rushed seven on that play.
-Defensively, the 49ers did not allow Michael Vick to get outside the pocket and Ray McDonald dominated the quarter. He’s so quick off the ball. Also it appeared as if NaVorro Bowman was keeping an eye on Vick and his zone responsibility. He played both very well.